11th Annual Special Olympics Walk-A-Thon to Kick Off Competitive Sports Season

The 11th Annual Special Olympics Walk-A-Thon will kick off the 2016-2017 competitive sports season on Sept. 23 in Tracy Park.

Scioto County Special Olympics will be kicking off the competition season with the 11th Annual Walk-A-Thon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, in Portsmouth’s Tracy Park.

Participants solicit sponsors for their laps around the park, raising funds that are invested back into local Special Olympics program activities. The Scioto County program involves more than 100 athletes served by the Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The basketball, golf, volleyball, bowling, and track teams travel around the southern Ohio region to compete against teams in other counties.

“This event started back in 2006 and has become a tradition for our programs and the community,” said Superintendent Julie Monroe. “It is one of our key fundraising events that helps raise funds to support our athletes and also raises awareness about what we do. It is always a great time that brings us together with our supporters and inspires our athletes.”

Portsmouth Ambulance is providing food and volunteers will be accepting donations from motorists and passersby.

Scioto County Special Olympics is a non-profit which has the goal of offering sports and activity opportunities to local people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To donate or sponsor an athlete, please contact Lori McNelly, SCBDD’s Community Relations Coordinator, at (740) 354-3803 or lmcnelly@scdd.k12.oh.us.